Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Quick & Tangy Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Whipping up a delightful lemon cream cheese dump cake promises pure dessert magic in minutes.

Sweet simplicity defines this incredibly easy treat that combines tangy citrus with rich, creamy textures.

Minimal effort yields maximum flavor, making it a perfect solution for unexpected sweet cravings.

Kitchen novices and seasoned bakers alike will adore how quickly this dessert comes together.

Layers of bright lemon and smooth cream cheese create a harmonious blend that feels both comforting and exciting.

Forget complicated techniques, this recipe delivers pure deliciousness with just a few simple ingredients.

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Overview

  • Conquer Complex Flavors: Easily blend tangy lemon and rich cream cheese with minimal cooking skills required, creating a gourmet-tasting dessert without professional training.
  • Minimize Kitchen Chaos: Dump all ingredients directly into the baking dish without complicated mixing or multiple bowls, reducing cleanup time and kitchen mess.
  • Celebrate Versatile Dessert: Perfect for casual family gatherings, potlucks, or weekend treats that appeal to both kids and adults with its sweet and zesty profile.
  • Quick Crowd-Pleaser: Whip up a delightful dessert in under an hour, impressing guests with minimal effort and maximum flavor satisfaction.

Ingredients For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Main Ingredients:
  • Lemon Pie Filling: A sweet and tangy base that provides the primary lemon flavor for the dessert.
  • Cream Cheese: Adds a rich, creamy texture and a subtle tanginess to the cake.
  • Yellow Cake Mix: Creates the cake's structure and provides a sweet, buttery foundation.
  • Butter: Helps create a crispy, golden top and adds richness to the dessert.
Garnish:
  • Powdered Sugar: Offers a light, sweet dusting that enhances the cake's appearance and adds a touch of sweetness.
Baking Essentials:
  • Cooking Spray or Butter: Ensures the cake does not stick to the baking dish and allows for easy serving.

How To Make Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 350F (175C), getting it ready for a delightful baking adventure.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Vessel

Grab your 9×13-inch baking dish and give it a light coating of grease to prevent any sticky situations.

Step 3: Create the Luscious Lemon Base

Pour the tangy lemon pie filling into the bottom of the dish, spreading it out in an even, sunshine-yellow layer that promises zesty goodness.

Step 4: Dot with Creamy Clouds

Scatter soft cream cheese pieces across the lemon filling, creating dreamy little pockets of richness throughout the dessert.

Step 5: Blanket with Cake Mix

Gently shower the cake mix over the cream cheese and lemon filling, covering everything in a soft, even layer that will transform into a golden-brown delight.

Step 6: Drench with Buttery Goodness

Drizzle melted butter across the cake mix, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious coating that will help create a crispy, golden top.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the preheated oven and let it bake for 35-45 minutes.

Watch for a gorgeous golden top and bubbling edges that signal your cake is ready.

Step 8: Cool and Garnish

Let the cake rest and cool slightly.

For an extra touch of elegance, dust the top with a light snowfall of powdered sugar before serving.

Pro Tips For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Grease the baking dish thoroughly to prevent sticking and ensure easy serving.
  • Cut cream cheese into small, uniform pieces for even melting and flavor throughout the cake.
  • Melt butter completely and drizzle slowly to guarantee complete cake mix coverage and a crispy golden top.
  • Check cake at 35 minutes to avoid overcooking; golden and bubbly top indicates ideal doneness.
  • Dust with powdered sugar just before serving for a beautiful, professional bakery-style presentation.

Variations For Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake

  • Gluten-Free Zesty Lemon Cake: Replace regular cake mix with gluten-free yellow cake mix for celiac or gluten-sensitive individuals.
  • Dairy-Free Citrus Delight: Substitute cream cheese with coconut cream and use dairy-free margarine instead of butter to accommodate lactose-intolerant dietary needs.
  • Low-Sugar Lemon Treat: Use sugar-free lemon pie filling and a reduced-sugar cake mix for diabetic-friendly version, maintaining the tangy flavor profile.
  • Vegan Citrus Crumble: Swap traditional ingredients with plant-based alternatives like almond cream cheese, vegan butter, and egg-free cake mix for a completely animal-product-free dessert.

Serving Suggestions For Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

  • Zesty Brunch Companion: Pair this tangy dessert with fresh mimosas or light coffee for a delightful morning treat.
  • Elegant Dessert Plating: Serve warm slices on white plates with a dollop of fresh whipped cream and a sprinkle of lemon zest for a stunning presentation.
  • Cool Summer Refreshment: Top each serving with a scoop of vanilla ice cream to create a creamy, refreshing dessert perfect for hot days.
  • Simple Elegant Garnish: Dust with powdered sugar and add a few fresh mint leaves for a classic, refined finishing touch that elevates the dessert's appearance.

Storage Guidelines For Lemon Cream Cheese Cake

  • Store leftover cake in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or lid to prevent drying out and absorbing other refrigerator odors.
  • Wrap individual portions or entire cake in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Thaw overnight in refrigerator before reheating.
  • Reheat single servings on medium power for 30-45 seconds. Check temperature and add additional 15-second intervals if needed. Avoid overheating to prevent texture changes.
  • Warm entire cake at 325F for 10-15 minutes. Cover with aluminum foil to prevent excessive browning. Remove foil last 3 minutes for crispy top layer. Serve warm and enjoy restored deliciousness.

FAQs

  • What ingredients do I need for this dump cake?

You’ll need lemon pie filling, cream cheese, yellow cake mix, and butter. These simple ingredients create a delicious dessert with minimal effort.

  • Can I use homemade lemon pie filling instead of store-bought?

Yes, you can substitute homemade lemon pie filling. Just ensure it has a similar consistency to the store-bought version for the best results.

  • Do I need to mix anything before putting it in the baking dish?

No, this is a true dump cake where you layer ingredients directly in the baking dish without mixing. Simply spread each ingredient in layers as instructed.

  • Is this recipe suitable for beginner bakers?

Absolutely! Dump cakes are incredibly easy to make. Even someone with minimal baking experience can successfully create this dessert by following the simple layering steps.

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Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe

Lemon Cream Cheese Dump Cake Recipe


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4.8 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 1 hour
  • Yield: 8 1x

Description

Lemon cream cheese dump cake brings zesty sunshine to dessert tables with minimal effort. Quick and simple mixing creates a dreamy, tangy treat you’ll crave after one delightful bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 box lemon cake mix
  • 1 can lemon pie filling
  • 8 ounces (226 grams) cream cheese, softened and cut into small pieces

Binding/Liquid Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup (113 grams) butter, melted

Finishing Ingredient:

  • Optional: powdered sugar for dusting

Instructions

  1. Heat the oven to 350F (175C) and prepare a 9×13-inch baking dish with a light coating of cooking spray.
  2. Create an even base layer of lemon pie filling across the entire bottom of the dish.
  3. Randomly distribute small chunks of cream cheese throughout the lemon pie filling layer.
  4. Generously cover the cream cheese and pie filling with an uniform blanket of dry cake mix.
  5. Slowly drizzle melted butter across the entire cake mix surface, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
  6. Transfer the dish to the preheated oven and bake for 40-45 minutes until the top transforms into a golden, bubbling crust.
  7. Remove from oven and let the cake rest for 10-15 minutes, allowing the layers to settle and slightly cool.
  8. Garnish with a delicate dusting of powdered sugar if desired, then serve warm for optimal flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Customize the sweetness by adjusting the amount of lemon pie filling for a more or less tangy flavor profile.
  • Use low-fat cream cheese to make the dessert lighter and slightly healthier without compromising taste.
  • Experiment with different cake mix flavors like vanilla or yellow cake for subtle variations in the final dessert.
  • Sprinkle chopped nuts like almonds or pecans on top before baking to add a delightful crunch and nutty complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 45 minutes
  • Category: Desserts
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 8
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 35 g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 28 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 42 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 4 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg
Lucas Bennett

Lucas Bennett

Founder & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Developing single-serving recipes with a rustic, seasonal twist.
  • Crafting engaging food insights that connect with readers.
  • Developing content that educates readers on healthy baking alternatives.
  • Integrating local ingredients into accessible home cooking.​

Education

Blue Ridge Community College – Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focused on seasonal cooking, sustainable kitchen practices, and farm-to-table techniques.

Appalachian State University – B.A. in English
Built critical thinking and analysis through diverse texts. Guided by faculty, it prepares graduates for publishing and more.


Growing up in the rolling hills of North Carolina, Lucas learned early that some of life’s best memories start around a kitchen table. After studying English at Appalachian State University and honing his culinary skills at Blue Ridge Community College, he dreamed of blending storytelling with rustic, seasonal cooking, and The Scrumptious Pumpkin was born.
Lucas focuses on easy, single-serving recipes that turn fresh, local ingredients into something special. His style is simple, heartfelt, and rooted in the beauty of the seasons. When he’s not testing a new dish, you’ll probably find him hiking in the Blue Ridge Mountains, browsing farmers’ markets, or scribbling food stories in a notebook.

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